Kerala is a tourist destination that is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and myriad art forms. Religious rituals and beliefs form an intrinsic part of the essential culture of Kerala. The culture and heritage of Kerala are kept alive through the state’s performing arts.

Festivals and ceremonies of Keralites belonging to different faiths are celebrated all round the year and this is a significant factor that helps to maintain Kerala’s culture and tradition in a vibrant way. Onam is a harvest festival celebrated by all faiths, blending myth and reality and evoking memories of a Utopian land.

Various dance forms and martial arts form part of Kerala’s performing arts. The performing art forms are an integral part of Kerala’s art and cultural tourism as these attract the eyes of the discerning, inquisitive tourists. Kerala has a rich collection of folk songs and folk arts, some of the popular art forms include Theyyam, Thullal, Bhadrakalipattu, Pamputullal, Kumbha Nritham, Arjuna Nritham, Patayani, Kummattikkali, Chavittunatakom, Kaliyoottu, Kavadiyattam, Velkali, Kolkali, Thiruvathirakali and Kalampattu. The classical and ritual art forms include Bharata Natyam, Chakyarkoothu, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

Among the traditional martial art forms of Kerala, Kalaripayattu is the oldest existing popular martial art, which combines both traditional and contemporary culture. Kathakali is a popular classical dance form of Kerala, where nrityam or dancing, abhinayam or acting and geetham or singing, are amazingly synchronized. Normally, it is performed in the premises of temples from dusk till daybreak. The rich and vibrant Chavittunadakam is a Christian musical drama performed on open stages and the interiors of churches by various actors wearing Greco-Roman costumes. Oppana is yet another art form of the Malabar Muslims performed at weddings and festivities.

Most of the performing art forms and festivals draw attention to themes drawn from religion and mythology, incidents of social life and agricultural practices. Moreover, these art forms preserve Kerala’s art heritage through colorful and artistic expressions. On the whole, the art and culture of Kerala are significant factors that contribute to making this state an important tourist destination.